Syncope and Q-T prolongation without deafness: The Romano-Ward syndrome

A case of the Romano-Ward syndrome in a 26-year-old woman is reported. The patient presented on account of recurrent ep sodes of syncope. The electrocardiogram showed a grossly abnormal T-U-wave complex producing apparent great prolongation of the Q-T interval. This was mostly due to fusion of the abnormally prominent U wave with the T wave. Hemodynamic studies showed normal structure and function of the heart, which, however, was exceptionally liable to develop ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation.